U.S. patent number 5,149,173 [Application Number 07/766,679] was granted by the patent office on 1992-09-22 for bolster with improved attachment means.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Jay Medical, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Eric C. Jay, Richard R. Runkles.
United States Patent |
5,149,173 |
Jay , et al. |
September 22, 1992 |
Bolster with improved attachment means
Abstract
A wheelchair back system is disclosed having a bolster with an
improved mounting means. The bolster has a rear surface which is
positioned on a lateral portion of the wheelchair back. A strap
attached to the front surface of the bolster extends to and engages
the front surface of the back, toward the center of the back. The
strap provides the bolster with enhanced resistance to lateral
forces which may be applied to the bolster during the use of the
wheelchair.
Inventors: |
Jay; Eric C. (Boulder, CO),
Runkles; Richard R. (Englewood, CO) |
Assignee: |
Jay Medical, Ltd. (Boulder,
CO)
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Family
ID: |
27402447 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/766,679 |
Filed: |
September 27, 1991 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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607527 |
Nov 1, 1990 |
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272137 |
Nov 16, 1988 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/284.9;
297/DIG.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G
5/12 (20130101); A61G 5/1054 (20161101); A61G
5/1091 (20161101); Y10S 297/06 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61G
5/12 (20060101); A61G 5/00 (20060101); A61G
5/10 (20060101); A47C 007/46 () |
Field of
Search: |
;297/284D,284F,285G,DIG.6,460,459 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Brown; Peter R.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Cook, Egan, McFarron & Manzo,
Ltd.
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser.
No. 607,527 filed Nov. 1, 1990, which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. application Ser. No. 272,137, filed Nov. now abandoned.
Claims
We claim:
1. A wheelchair back system comprising a back, a bolster, and an
attachment means,
said back having a front surface having lateral portions and a
central portion;
said bolster having a rear surface adapted to be positioned upon
one of said lateral portions of said back, said bolster having a
front surface which includes a sloped portion adapted to provide
lateral support to a wheelchair user, the rear surface of said
bolster being removably affixed to one of said lateral portions of
said back; and
said attachment means comprising a strap attached to the front
surface of said bolster, said strap member including means to
removably engage the front surface of said back toward the center
of said back, whereby said strap provides improved lateral
attachment of said bolster to said back.
2. A wheelchair back system as defined in claim 1 wherein said
strap is removably attached to said bolster.
3. A wheelchair back system as defined in claim 1, the rear surface
of said bolster has a shape which is generally complimentary to the
shape of one of said lateral portions of said back.
4. A wheelchair back system as defined in claim 1 wherein the front
surface of said back is generally concavedly curved when viewed
from above in a horizontal section, and said bolster has a convex
surface which is complimentary to the concaved surface of said
contoured back.
5. A wheelchair back system comprising a contoured cushion,
bolster, and an attachment means,
said contoured cushion having a front surface having lateral
portions and a central portion, said lateral portions extending
forward of said central portion,
said bolster having a rear surface which is substantially
complimentary to the front surface of one of said lateral portions
of said cushion, said bolster having a front surface which includes
a sloped portion adapted to provide lateral support to a wheelchair
user, the rear surface of said bolster being removably affixed to
one of said lateral portions of said cushion; and
said attachment means comprising a strap attached to the front
surface of said bolster, said strap including means to engage the
front surface of said contoured cushion toward the center of said
cushion, whereby said strap provides improved lateral attachment of
said bolster to said contoured cushion.
6. A wheelchair back system as defined in claim 5 wherein said
strap is removably attached to said bolster.
7. A wheelchair back system as defined in claim 5, the rear surface
of said bolster has a shape which is generally complimentary to the
shape of one of said lateral portions of said back.
8. A wheelchair back system as defined in claim 5 wherein the front
surface of said cushion is generally concavedly curved when viewed
from above in a horizontal section, and said bolster has a convex
surface which is complimentary to the concaved surface of said
contoured cushion.
9. A wheelchair back system comprising a contoured cushion, a
bolster, and a attachment means,
said contoured cushion having a frontal surface including lateral
portions and a central portion, said cushion being generally
concaved when viewed from above in a horizontal section, wherein
said lateral portions of said cushion extend forward of said
central portion,
said bolster having a rear surface adapted to engage one of said
lateral portions of said cushion, through said attachment means,
whereby said bolsters are affixed to said cushion at a position
forward of said central portion of said cushion the rear surface of
said bolster being removably affixed to one of said lateral
portions of said cushion; and
said attachment means adapted to removably affix said bolster to
the front surface of said lateral portions of said cushion at a
selected height on said cushion, said attachment means comprising a
strap attached to the front surface of said bolster, said strap
having means to engage the front surface of said contoured cushion
toward the center of said cushion, whereby said strap provides
improved lateral attachment of said bolster to said contoured
cushion.
10. A wheelchair back system as defined in claim 9 wherein said
strap is removably attached to said bolster.
11. A wheelchair back system comprising a contoured cushion having
a front surface which is generally concavedly curved, when viewed
from above in a horizontal section, wherein the lateral portions of
the front side of said cushion are forward of the central
portion,
said system further comprising a bolster having a convex surface
which is complimentary to one of the lateral portions of said
contoured cushion, said bolster being affixed to one of said
lateral portions whereby said bolsters are positioned ahead of said
central portion of said cushion,
attachment means adapted to affix said bolster to one of said
lateral portions of said cushion at a selected position independent
of the height of said back, said attachment means further comprises
a strap attached to the front surface of said bolster, said strap
having means to engage the front surface of said contoured cushion
toward the center of said cushion, whereby said strap provides
improved lateral attachment of said bolster to said contoured
cushion
12. A wheelchair back system as defined in claim 11 wherein said
strap is removably attached to said bolster.
Description
The present invention relates to a seat back system for wheelchairs
which provides an improved means for attachment of bolsters. The
seat back system of the present invention further provides for
height adjustability of the back, adjustment of the tilt of the
back, a lumbar support which may be positioned to fit the specific
height required by the wheelchair user independent of the height of
the back, and provides for contoured, adjustable lateral support.
The back system may be readily attached to or detached from a
wheelchair, in order to fold up the wheelchair for transportation
or storage. The wheelchair back system may be used on new
wheelchairs and may be retrofitted on existing wheelchairs to
replace existing back structures.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Many of the problems faced by wheelchair users and particularly the
paraplegics are kyphosis, scoliosis, instability, redness of the
spine, and pain of the back which conditions are aggravate by soft,
curved 37 sling" upholstery conventionally used in wheelchairs.
The present invention replaces the conventionally used wheelchair
back upholstery with a comfortable, sturdy, adjustable, supportive,
pressure relieving, easy-to-use back system designed to attack back
problems.
Kyphosis
Kyphosis, probably the most common back deformity, is a rounding of
the spine in a 37 humpback" posture and is often combined with a 37
slouching" posture, with the hips sliding away from the back of the
wheelchair. This condition is most common among older patients, but
is rapidly becoming a problem among young paraplegics and
quadriplegics sitting against low 37 sport" backs that sag after a
few months' use.
The back system of the present invention is firm, to prevent
sagging of the back, and it is contoured to conform to the natural
curvature of the back and to provide lateral stability.
Additionally, a built-in lumbar support allows the user to sit
straighter, thus preventing rounding of the back and resulting
kyphosis.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis, an 37 S" curvature of the spine, is most frequently
developed by females. It is often caused by a non-supportive
sitting base that encourages pelvic obliquities (uneven hips) and
aggravated by wheelchair back that does not provide support from
side to side.
The back system of the present invention supports against side to
side leaning and the development of scoliosis in three ways:
1. By restoring the lumbar curve of the user, it mechanically
stabilizes the spine of the user to reduce the tendency to lean to
one side;
2. By totally conforming to the back of the user, it naturally
grips the user's back to provide natural lateral support; and
3. By allowing VELCRO attachment of contoured lateral supports, the
user can take advantage of the most comfortable, unobtrusive
lateral supports available today.
Instability
The tendency to fall from side to side or to fall forward is common
among users with head injuries, multiple sclerosis, quadriplegics
and other disabilities where there is an impairment of cognitive or
nerve function. To prevent this tendency, these patients tend to
slouch in their wheelchairs in order to lower their center of
gravity and gain stability. This slouching may result in kyphosis,
aggravated back pain, coccygeal pressure sores, and improper leg
positions.
The back system of the present invention is scientifically
contoured to hug the back of the user, thus enabling the user to
sit up straight. The contoured lateral supports provide the user
with a stable back which allows the user to sit taller in the
wheelchair, with less fear of falling.
Redness of the Spine
The spine is a series of bony protrusions that are subject to
pressure, shearing and abrasion - and a resulting skin redness and
breakdown. The most prevalent problems come with kyphosis and
scoliosis, which can accentuate a bony prominence. Skin breakdown
can also result from an extreme weight loss or a gibbus deformity
(where the spine is fused after a break).
The back system of the present invention reduces the outward
protrusion of the spine, by sitting the user straighter. In
addition, a fluid filled pad is inserted up and down the middle of
the back, to solve pressure problems where they are most likely to
occur--on the spine. Additionally, a 1/4-1/2 inch layer of
reticulated open cell foam behind the cover increases comfort and
reduces pressure on shoulder blades and other bony protrusions.
Back Pain
Back pain is undoubtedly the most common back complaint. It can be
caused by any of the factors mentioned above. The most common
cause, however, is a backward tilt of the pelvis, a loss of the
natural lumbar curve, and the resulting strain placed on the spine
and on connecting muscles.
The back system of the present invention reduces back pain by
pushing the pelvis into a forward tilt, thus restoring the natural
lumbar curve and reducing the stress on the user's back.
The back system of the present invention also provides a universal
mounting system which will accommodate wheelchairs having differing
widths, wherein the vertical posts are spaced at different
distances, it will accommodate posts of different diameter, and it
will accommodate posts which have a different tilt or curvature.
This allows the back system of the present invention to be
retrofitted on existing wheelchairs, as well as installed as
original equipment on new wheelchairs. Moreover, the mounting
system which forms a part of the present invention allows ready
removal of the back system in order to collapse the chair for
transportation or storage and provides for easy reinstallation to
produce a stable wheelchair back.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention provides a wheelchair back system having an
improved means for attachment of bolsters with a high degree of
support and adjustability in order to accomplish various
therapeutically significant functions, while at the same time
providing a wheelchair back system which has a streamlined
appearance and is generally aesthetically pleasing.
Specifically, the wheelchair back system of the present invention
provides improved means for attachment of bolsters on a back which
may be raised and lowered to accommodate the stabilization needs of
the patient; it may be tilted forward or to the rear to accommodate
the needs of the wheelchair user; it may include an adjustable
height lumbar support; and a unique spinal protection device; in
addition to adjustable side bolsters to provide back support and
stability as may be needed by a wheelchair user.
In the preferred embodiment, the seat back system includes a pair
of bolsters removably attached to the lateral portions the front
surface of the seat back by complimentary VELCRO strips. Improved
attachment of the bolsters is provided by a strap which engages the
front surface and engages the front surface of the back. The
addition of the strap increases the resistance of the bolster to
lateral forces and thus provides enhanced attachment of the bolster
to the seat back system. The bolster attachment means thus provides
for ready adjustment of position of the bolsters.
In the preferred embodiment, the back system of the present
invention further provides for easy disengagement of the back
system when the wheelchair is folded up for transportation or
storage; a wheelchair back system with a cover which may be readily
removed for laundering; and a wheelchair back system that may be
retrofitted on existing wheelchairs, as well as fitted as original
equipment on wheelchairs.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be more readily understood
including the various embodiments of the invention, references made
to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an isometric front view of the wheelchair back system,
affixed to a wheelchair, with the cover in place thereon;
FIG. 2 is an isometric exploded front view of the wheelchair back
system showing the cushion separated from the hard shell positioned
on the vertical wheelchair posts;
FIG. 3 is an isometric rear view of the wheelchair back system
showing the attachment of the hard shell to the vertical wheelchair
posts;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional top view of the wheelchair back system,
taken at section 4--4 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the wheelchair back
system, taken at section 5--5 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional side view of the wheelchair
back system, taken at section 6--6 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional top view of the wheelchair
back system, taken at section 7--7 of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a isometric rear view of the wheelchair back system,
affixed to the wheelchair, showing the twist lock mounting system
embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a front view of the wheelchair back system showing the
attachment of the twist lock mounting system embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a rear view of the wheelchair back system, affixed to a
wheelchair with the twist lock mounting system embodiment in the
closed and locked position; and
FIG. 11 is a top view, taken in Section 11--11 of FIG. 10 showing
the twist lock mounting system embodiment in the locked
position.
FIG. 12 is an isometric front view of the wheelchair back system,
showing a bolster with the improved bolster attachment means;
FIG. 13 is a side view of the wheelchair back system embodiment of
FIG. 12; and
FIG. 14 is a cross sectional top view of the wheelchair back system
embodiment of FIG. 12, taken at Section 4--4 of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT
INVENTION
The improved bolsters and bolster mounting system of the present
invention may be used with virtually any form or style of
wheelchair back, and particularly those styles of wheelchair back
which include a relatively rigid back member.
The description which follows, is directed to the preferred
embodiment of the wheelchair back system presently contemplated by
the inventors, but it should be understood that the present
invention is not limited to any specific embodiment of back
system.
The wheelchair back system of the present invention generally
comprises plastic shell 20 and mounting system 30 which is used to
affix plastic shell 20 to vertical posts 60 of a wheelchair.
Mounting system 30 attaches shell 20 to vertical posts 60 and
provides for vertical adjustment of the plastic shell 20 with
respect to posts 60.
Cushion 70 is removably attached to plastic shell 20 and serves to
cushion the back of the wheelchair user. Vertical channel 80 in
cushion 70 provides space for pad 90 which is filled with a
flowable fluid and thus provides for protection of the spine,
particularly in the thoracic region, for wheelchair users. Lumbar
support 120 is affixed to cushion 70, preferably astride channel 80
and under flowable fluid filled pad 90. Lumbar support 120 is
vertically adjusted along channel 80 of cushion 70.
Bolsters 130, which are removably attached to cushion 70, provide
additional lateral support to the wheelchair user, if necessary.
The improved bolster attachment means, comprising strap 132, more
fully described below, provides improved lateral support to the
wheelchair user.
Cover 140 is adapted to cover cushion 70 along with bolsters 130
and the lubmar support 120, etc., and extend around the edges of
cushion 70, and lock between cushion 70 and plastic shell 20 when
cushion 70 is mounted to plastic shell 20. Cover 140 thus provides
the wheelchair back system with a streamlined, aesthetically
desirable appearance.
Plastic Shell
Plastic shell 20 is a hard, relatively rigid, relatively inflexible
matrix which extends between the wheelchair posts 60 and provides
mechanical support for the back system. It may be produced by
formed ABS plastic about 150-200 mils thick. In wheelchair back
systems designed for adult use, plastic shell 20 should be about 17
inches from top to bottom. The overall width should be sufficient
to extend from the outside edge of one vertical wheelchair post 60
to the outside edge of the opposite vertical wheelchair post 60.
Plastic shell 20 preferably has a slight convex curvature to
generally conform to the backward bend used by most wheelchair
posts.
The lateral edges of plastic shell 20 preferably comprise U-shaped
channels 22, which extend from the top to the bottom of plastic
shell 20. Channels 22 are made up of inner leg 24 and outer leg 26.
The pace between inner leg 24 and outer leg 26 should be wide
enough to wrap around vertical posts 60 of different diameters and
having different spacings. Accordingly, it is preferred that
channels 22 be about 2 inches wide. Outer leg 26 of channel 22
preferably extends approximately to the rear of vertical posts 60
and provides side to side support for the back system. Outer leg 26
is also aesthetically designed to serve as a cover for vertical
posts 60. Outer leg 26 may be shortened if desired for aesthetic
purposes.
If plastic shell 20 has a slight convex curvature, channel 22 is
also convex, but it is preferred that channel 22 have flat portions
28 at its upper and lower end in order to provide for a two point
contact of the channel 22 against vertical post 60. Preferably, the
flat portion 28 of the channel 22 will cooperate with spacers 50 in
adjusting the tilt of the back system, as is described below.
It is contemplated that the inner legs 24 of channels 22 will abut
the vertical posts 60 in those wheelchairs which are designated 17
inch wheelchairs. Similarly, it is contemplated that the outer legs
26 of channels 22 will abut the outer side of vertical posts 60 in
18 inch wheelchairs. It is contemplated that for wheelchairs having
posts with nonstandard spacing, spacers may be employed to securely
position vertical posts 60 with respect to legs 24 and 26.
The Mounting System
The mounting system used to attach the back to the wheelchair is a
matter of choice, and the system selected will depend, in large
measure, on the type of back employed preferred embodiment of the
mounting system of the present invention is described below, but it
is understood that other types of mounting systems may be used such
as the mounting system described in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 607,552 filed Nov. 1, 1990 by Jay, et al.
Mounting system 30 is a "soft system" (i.e., it is essentially free
of hardware components) and comprises straps 32 affixed to outer
legs 26 and adapted to extend to the rear of vertical post 60 and
extend along the back of plastic shell 20, over pad 34. Preferably,
pad 34 is a rectangle of VELCRO affixed to the back of plastic
shell 20, as shown in FIG. 3. Extension 36 of strap 32 is also
fitted with a VELCRO surface on its forward side, where it is
adapted to gauge or mate with pad 34 thus securing strap 32 around
post 60. Preferably, strap 32 is about 4 inches wide. Extension 36
of strap 32 may include handle means 38 which facilitates
disengaging extension 36 from pad 34. Strap 32 may be affixed to
outer leg 26 by a variety of means which will be known to those
skilled in the art.
Bracket 40 is affixed to vertical post 60 and is vertically
adjustable thereon. Preferably, bracket 40 includes a vertical slot
42 through which screw 44 affixes bracket 40 to vertical post 60.
Vertical adjustment of bracket 40 may be achieved by loosening the
screw 44, and sling the bracket 40 upwardly or downwardly, as the
screw 44 slides in slot 42 and tightening the screw when the
desired elevation is achieved. Bracket 40 also includes lower shelf
46 and upper shelf 48 which straddle strap extension 36 and lock
strap extension 36 in the desired elevation, thus causing the back
to remain at the elevation selected through the adjustment of screw
44 in slot 42 of bracket 40.
Most wheelchair vertical posts 60 are arcuate in shape, as is shown
in FIG. 5. Consequently, plastic shell 20, which may be essentially
planar, contacts the vertical posts 60 at the top and the bottom.
Thus the tilt (forward and backward) of the seat back system is to
some extent a function of the particular curvature of vertical 60.
The present invention contemplates the use of spacers 50 which are
disposed in channel 22, at the top and bottom of channel 22,
against flat portions 28, between plastic shell 20 and vertical
posts 60. Conveniently, spacers 50 may be adhesively attached to
plastic shell 20. In order to obtain tilt adjustment, spacers 50
are either removed or stacked upon one another to create the
desired adjustment.
FIGS. 8-11 illustrate the twist lock mounting system embodiment.
The twist lock 250 which comprises an operating member 252 which is
attached to shank 254 which protrudes through an opening in rigid
shell 20 and is rotatably secured to shell 20 by fastener 256.
Handle means 238 is provided with slot 260. Slot 260 is wide enough
to allow operating member 252 and shank 254 to pass through the
slot, when the seat back is mounted on the wheelchair and handle
238 is moved to the latched position (and operating member 252 is
in the horizontal position). When handle 238 is moved adjacent to
rigid shell 20, the VELCRO strip on the front side of handle 238
engages VELCRO pad 34 on the rear of shell 20. Operating member 252
may be then rotated into the locked position (vertical position) as
shown in FIG. 10. When the operating member 252 is in the locked
position, the twist lock 250 prevents the VELCRO strip on the front
of handle 238 from becoming disengaged from VELCRO pad 34.
In the preferred embodiment, twist lock 250 includes cam surface
258 on the lower side of operating member 252. Cam surface 258 is
adapted to urge handle 238 toward rigid shell 20 as operating
member 252, protruding through slot 260, is rotated from the
horizontal, unlatched position to the vertical, latched position as
shown in FIG. 10. The rotation of operating member 252 causes cam
surface 258 to bear against the back of handle 238 and forces the
VELCRO strip 237 on the front of handle 238 into contact with
VELCRO pad 234, thus insuring that a good lock is obtained between
the two VELCRO pieces. The action of cam surface 258 against the
outside of handle 238 provides for enhanced contact between the
VELCRO strip on the front side of handle 238 and VELCRO pad 234,
thus providing improved security of the mounting of the seat back
on the wheelchair.
The Cushion
Cushion 70 is preferably fabricated from a self-skinned
polyurethane foam, although other materials may be used. Cushion 70
preferably extends into the well defined by plastic shell 20
between channels 22 and extends laterally beyond vertical posts 60.
The height of cushion 70 should be approximately the same as the
height of plastic shell 20. Thus a cushion of about
18.times.18.times.1 inches is contemplated.
Cushion 70 is preferably removably affixed to plastic shell 20 by a
plurality of VELCRO closures. In the preferred embodiment, as shown
by FIG. 2, side VELCRO strips 54 and top VELCRO strips 56 are
affixed to plastic shell 20. Corresponding side VELCRO strips 72
and top VELCRO strips 74 are adhesively affixed to the back of
cushion 70 and are adapted to engage side VELCRO strips 54 and top
VELCRO strips 56 to removably affix cushion 70 to plastic shell
20.
The Channel
Channel 80 is vertically disposed along the center of cushion 70
and extends generally from the top of cushion 70 to the bottom, as
shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, channel 80 is about 4 inches wide and
about 1/2 inch deep, although the dimensions are not particularly
critical. Similarly, the channel may be shorter, i.e., have a
smaller height (measured from top to bottom) than the channel
illustrated in FIG. 2.
Pad 90, which is filled with a flowable fluid, is positioned in
channel 80 and preferably occupies substantially the entire volume
of channel 80. VELCRO strips, not shown, are affixed to pad 90 and
corresponding positions in channel 80, in order to secure pad 90 in
channel 80.
Pad 90 generally comprises an envelope 92 constructed of a front
layer 94 and a back layer 96 of flexible material such as
polyethylene or polyurethane. Layers 94 and 96 are heat sealed
about the periphery 98, in order to form a container to hold
flowable fluid 100. Pad 90 has at least one transverse lateral
segment 102 formed by heat sealing front layer 94 to back layer 96
which divides pad 90 into a plurality of horizontally divided
chambers. The transverse segment 102 prevents the flowable fluid
100 from flowing downwardly and thus maintains the flowable fluid
throughout the entire height of pad 90. Preferably, a tube which is
approximately 125% of the length of channel 80 may be filled with a
required amount of flowable fluid, flattened and sealed at each
end. The tube thus makes up both the front layer 94 and back layer
96 of pad 90. The tube is then heat sealed transversely at
appropriate spacings to form transverse segments 102. The
transversely sealed tube is then inserted in the channel and the
extra 25% of material is draped over the transverse segments 102 as
shown in FIG. 6, thus providing for flowable material between the
transverse segments and the wheelchair user.
Alternatively, front layer 94 is puffed out during manufacture, so
that the front layer 94 contains more material (more square inches
of material) than back layer 96. The us of added material in the
front layer 94 allows the front layer 94 to lap over transverse
segment 102 as shown in FIG. 6, and thus allow the flowable fluid
to come to rest over the transverse segment 102 and provide a
cushioning material between the transverse segment 102 and the
patient's back.
The Flowable Filling Material
The flowable fluid may be selected from a number of different fluid
types. Gases, such as air may be used, but liquids such as water
are preferable because the weight of the water provides more
stability. However, it is preferred to employ as the fluid a highly
viscous liquid, i.e., plastic or viscous thixotropic material,
which flows gradually when pressure is applied to it, but which
maintains its shape and position in the absence of pressure
(hereinafter sometimes referred to as "plastic"). One such viscous
fluid is commercially available under the trade name FLO-LITE, the
registered trademark of Alden Laboratories. Suitable flowable
materials are described and claimed in the U.S. Pat. Nos. listed
below, which are incorporated by reference herein:
U.S. Pat. No. 3,237,319
U.S. Pat. No. 3,402,411
U.S. Pat. No. 3,635,849
U.S. Pat. No. 3,798,799
U.S. Pat. No. 4,038,762
U.S. Pat. No. 4,083,127
U.S. Pat. No. 4,108,928
U.S. Pat. No. 4,144,658
U.S. Pat. No. 4,229,546
U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,754
U.S. Pat. No. 4,255,202
Additionally, the flowable fitting material described in
Applicant's patent application Ser. No. 017,711 filed Feb. 24,
1987, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,551, may be used as the flowable
material in the practice of the present invention.
Lumbar Support
Lumbar support 120 is designed to fit in channel 80, but may be
moved vertically to the position which most comfortably supports
the lumber region of the wheelchair user. Lumbar support 120 may be
produced from a solid piece of foam material, such as self-skinned
polyurethane or polyethylene. Alternatively, the lumbar support may
be a pad of the style used for 90, that is, filled with a flowable,
viscous, thixotropic material.
Lumbar support 120 is affixed in the channel 80 through VELCRO
strips (not shown) attached to the rear side of lumbar support 120
where they engage VELCRO strips which extend vertically up and down
the length of channel 80. This allows the lumbar support to be
positioned at the correct elevation, independent of the height at
which the wheelchair back is set.
Lumbar support 120 is designed to fit under pad 90 and thus thrust
pad 90 forwardly in the region of the lumbar support as shown in
FIG. 4--see 120A.
The Bolsters
Bolsters 130 are designed to be removably affixed to the lateral
portions of the front side of cushion 70 where they provide lateral
support for the wheelchair occupant, as shown in FIGS. 12-14
inclusive. Preferably, a plurality of horizontal VELCRO strips 132
are adhered to the rear side of bolsters 130 where they engage
vertical VELCRO strips 134 attached to the lateral portions of the
front side of cushion 70. This attachment means allows for easy
vertical and/or horizontal adjustment of the bolster position with
respect to cushion 70.
In the preferred embodiment, vertical VELCRO strip 135 is affixed
to the front surface of bolster 130. VELCRO strip 138 is affixed to
the front side of cushion 70, toward the center of cushion 70.
Strap 136 which is preferably a flexible member, has a rear surface
covered with VELCRO 137 whereby strap 136 is adapted to be secured
to the front side bolster 130 to VELCRO strip 135 and secured, at
the same time, to VELCRO strip 137 on the front surface of cushion
70. In alternative embodiments, wherein VELCRO strip 134 is broad
enough, strap 136 may engage the front side of bolster 130 through
VELCRO strip 135 and be secured, at the same time, to VELCRO strip
134 on the front side of cushion 70. VELCRO strap 136 provides
improved connection of bolster 130 to cushion 70 and in particular
provides for enhanced resistance to lateral forces which may be
applied to the bolster during use of the wheelchair. The use of
strap 136 dramatically increases the lateral force required to
dislodge the bolster from its selected position.
In the preferred embodiment, the shape of the back of bolster 130
compliments the shape of the front portion of cushion 70. As is
more clearly shown in FIG. 13, the complimentary surfaces give a
greater area of attachment and provide enhanced connection of the
bolster to the cushion. The use of a bolster having a surface shape
which is complimentary to the front side of the cushion also
increases the lateral force required to dislodge the bolster from
its selected position.
Alternatively, the strap 136 may be attached to the front surface
of bolster 130 by adhesive for other means which provides for
permanent attachment of said strap to said bolster. It is
preferred, however, to have strap 136 removably affixed to said
bolster so that the bolster may be most conveniently fitted to the
wheelchair cushion back in the position most comfortable and
desirable to the wheelchair user. After the preferred position has
been established, the strap 136 is secured to the front of the
bolster and to the wheelchair back, thus providing the enhanced
attachment.
Vertical VELCRO 138 may be of various widths, as illustrated in
FIG. 13, by strips 138L and 138R. Alternatively, if the width of
VELCRO strip 134 sufficiently warrant, the strap 136 may engage
VELCRO strip 134, with or without engaging VELCRO strip 138.
Vertical strips 138 must be located on the central portion of said
wheelchair back, that is, VELCRO strip 138 must be located inwardly
from the position of bolster 130, and toward the center line of
said wheelchair back cushion.
In the preferred embodiment, the wheelchair back is provided with
two, symmetrical bolsters. However, the present invention
contemplates a wheelchair back wherein a single bolster is used as
well as a system wherein two bolsters of different size and/or
configurations are used.
Alternatively, bolsters of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
3,542,421 may be used.
The Cover
Cover 140 is designed to fit over cushion 70 and over bolsters 130
to provide the wheelchair back system with a streamlined,
aesthetically pleasing appearance, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown by
FIG. 4, the cover extends around to the rear of cushion 70.
Preferably, elastic means 142 is positioned at the edge of cover
140 in order to urge the cover edges to surround cushion 70. When
cushion 70 is affixed to back 20, the edges of the cover 140 are
held between cushion 70 and plastic shell 20. Elastic means 142
facilitates the positioning of the cover on cushion 70 before
cushion 70 is affixed to the plastic shell 20. Preferably, the
cover is lined with a reticulated, open-cell foam, in 1/4 to 1/2
inch thickness, to encourage air circulation and provide extra
comfort. Preferably, cover 140 has tucks of extra material sewn
into the top and/or bottom to allow expansion of the cover when
using bolsters 130.
The scope of the invention herein shown and described is to be
considered only as illustrative. It will be apparent to those
skilled in the art that numerous modifications may be made therein
without departure from the spirit of the invention and the scope of
the appended claims.
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